5 Compelling Reasons to Visit St. Martin: Caribbean Paradise Divided
Planning a winter escape from New York's chill? Recently, affordable flights to the Caribbean, like $79 fares to distant islands, caught my eye. While Martinique tempted me en route to Colombia, St. Martin stole the show with its idyllic beaches and beachfront villa rentals—perfect for a group getaway. Located 200 miles east of Puerto Rico and a quick boat ride south of Anguilla, this 33.59 sq mi island is uniquely split: the French Saint Martin to the north and Dutch Sint Maarten to the south. Peacefully shared since 1648, the Dutch side buzzes with resorts and casinos, while the French side offers serene, natural beauty.
5 Reasons to Visit St. Martin
37 White-Sand Beaches
Don't let the compact size fool you—St. Martin boasts 37 stunning beaches with powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Mullet Bay is a standout, but explore all 37 with detailed guides here.
Visit Two European Nations
Experience two nations on one island: Sint Maarten (Kingdom of the Netherlands) and Saint Martin (French overseas collectivity). Euros on the French side, US Dollars on the Dutch. Separate capitals mean international calls across the border—it's the world's smallest divided island.
The Caribbean's Culinary Capital
Over 300 restaurants pack this tiny island, blending Caribbean flavors with European flair. From gourmet spots to beach shacks, plus Thai, Indian, and Mediterranean options—sample something new nightly. Check Fodor's for top picks.
Maho Bay: Plane-Spotting Spectacle
On the Dutch side, Maho Bay offers thrilling views of jets landing and taking off mere feet above the beach. A must for aviation fans—it's a St. Martin exclusive.
Scuba Diving Paradise
Divers rejoice: wreck, night, reef, and cave dives abound. Highlights include the 1770 British warship HMS Proselyte, sunk in 1801. Snorkelers love the protected reefs too.
Photo credits: Images via Flickr Creative Commons unless noted. (1) St Martin by Derek Hatfield, (2) St Martin Villa via Luxury Retreats, (3) Beach by Jorge Quinteros, (4) Border by Derek Hatfield, (5) Plane landing by Richie Diesterheft.
